Saturday, January 5, 2013

On the eleventh day of Christmas ...

 
 
Today's topic is "vocation"
 which would be "homemaking" for me. 
 
I've had several different chapters in my life, and several different careers, but the identity that has remained with me right from the start of my adult life has been homemaker.  Not limiting this to stay-at-home, though ... but making my home functional and comfortable and making sure no one is hungry in my presence has always been the top priority on my To-Do list.  It's just what I'm supposed to do, as others are supposed to be dancers or firefighters or lawyers ;) 
 
Quilting is an adjunct responsibility to homemaking for me.  I make utility quilts because they keep people warm and snug AND brighten their surroundings.  I make quilts to feel a sense of connection with the countless nameless women before me who also tried to keep their families warm and make their homes cheerful.
 
 I'm most definitely product-oriented rather than process -oriented.  I DON'T make art ... I make warm covers. I'm not an artist, I'm an artisan.  And I'm entirely comfortable with this description.  I don't need to try the latest fads in fiber arts.  Actually, been there/done that.  In previous chapters of my life I've been very involved with spinning, natural dyeing, floor- table- and frame-loom weaving, knitting, crocheting, felting, basketry, papermaking, fashion sewing and home dec sewing, embroidery, cross-stitch, needlepoint ... you get the idea.  But I'm older now, and I know myself pretty well already, and I know that what I make now is utility quilts.  Lots of 'em!!  :)
 

Looking ahead: I average about 55 or so quilts per year, and I'd expect to do that many again in 2013.  I've been doing a lot of cooking recently, and Tony has been "helping" so that's a fun togethery activity that I hope we'll continue -- kinda depends on his spare time.  I have some gorgeous cross stitch patterns waiting for me, and maybe this will be the year I'll have spare time to work on one or two of them :)
 
Looking back: During November, Dave and Jessica came up for a lovely visit.  I had the guild ladies here for a workday. I hostessed a block swap for one of the yahoo groups I belong to. I read four books and finished six quilts.  
 
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1 comment:

Angie said...

What a lovely post, Jeanne. You are such an inspiration, girl. :) I love how you've rearranged your blog. I like seeing what you are following along with. :)